The next time you call on a customer to talk insurance, you may want to look at his digital calendar instead of taking a medical history. Or review a company’s vacation policy and time-off statistics as part of the insurance premium calculation. What does vacation time have to do with the cost of health care or claims experience? According to an Inc. article, "Employees Skipping Vacation? March Them Out Of The Door If You Have To," it could be a major contributor to overall health, productivity and performance.
A recent article in The Chicago Tribune noted that 65 percent of American workers had unused vacation time at the end of 2011. Many job applicants negotiate vacation time as part of the compensation package. From the statistics, they want it but are reluctant to use it. The reality is, while they want to take some personal time, they’re more concerned about keeping their jobs. Fewer people means more work, and many aren’t comfortable taking time off with work undone or projects unfinished. “Absence makes the heart grow fonder,” doesn’t apply to the workplace. It’s more, “Out of sight; out of mind.”
All this dedication takes its toll on both the company and the employee. As the article suggests, employers need to be more aggressive when it comes to employees taking time off. What is the use of an employee dragging herself into work every day when she is tired, stressed and needs a break from the pressures or just the routine of the job? High-level executives aren’t the only ones under pressure. Repetitive service or manufacturing jobs can have a hypnotic effect. Fatigue and monotony can cause performance to slip. A random error in a process can become a daily habit. Everyone needs to step away once in a while so they can come back with a fresh perspective.
If companies provide time off, can they insist employees use it? What if lack of vacation became a health care issue and a factor in workplace injuries or illness? What can companies do to encourage employees to get out of the office and recharge? Here are a few tips to put employees at ease when they’re off the job:
- Show appreciation. Many employees won’t take time off because they fear their job won’t be there when they come back. Let your employees know they are valuable members of the team and they are doing a good job. A little support and appreciation take away the fear of the unknown.
- Deal with poor performance or disciplinary problems early. No one wants to get a disciplinary action the day before they leave on vacation. Talk about buzzkill! Employers often wait to bring up performance issues because they are uncomfortable or don’t know how to give constructive feedback. Dealing with issues as they come up and helping an employee improve performance on an ongoing basis helps maintain a positive working relationship.
- Monitor work load. This goes for both the manager and employee. Just because you’ve had to eliminate a position, doesn’t mean the remaining staff person can do two jobs Reevaluate what has to be done, and restructure the job if necessary. Provide additional training if there is no alternative to doubling responsibility. In the same way, employees should honestly assess what they can handle and their limitations. It’s better to ask for help or relief than struggle to do everything and sacrifice quality.
- Remind them of lost dollars. Some employees accrue unused vacation hours that roll over, but many companies have a “use it or lose it” policy. Also, they may have a cap on how many accrued hours they will pay upon termination. Employees lose money by not taking the time off.
- Check the statistics. Sleep deprivation affects the brain and the ability for employees to manage themselves, engage in critical thinking, make decisions and follow instructions. Sleep deprivation can also affect social control and the ability to distinguish good from bad. It’s possible that lack of rest and relaxation can have an effect on workplace violence or just the inability to work with others or solve problems amicably.
Just like a tea kettle, once the steam rises, it has to go somewhere. Pressure cookers have safety valves. You have to poke some holes in a potato before you put it in the microwave or else it will burst. Everyone needs a release from the pressures of life and work. Get employees out of the office so they can get back to work.
Photo Source: Freedigitalphotos.net
Become a member to take advantage of more features, like commenting and voting.
Register or sign in today!